I’m uncertain about what to prioritize in the next 26 months. About a year ago, I launched an Amazon FBA business, but it’s been struggling. I’ve encountered numerous challenges with Amazon, and I received misguided VAT advice from an accountant who assured me that registration wasn’t necessary, despite my doubts. Now, I’m dealing with the fallout, and it looks like my business may not survive.
In parallel, I’ve been working on enhancing my skills. I finished a Higher Diploma in Digital Marketing last year and will soon begin a six-week course on building a business. Although I’m a nurse, I find myself very dissatisfied with my current job. I realize the importance of transitioning to a high-income skill that can provide financial stability, but I’m feeling lost about what to focus on. Aside from nursing, my experience is limited to some basic video editing and Shopify dropshipping.
I’m grappling with whether to invest my efforts into launching another business or to concentrate on acquiring a skill that could yield significant income. I want to avoid wasting time going in circles, so I’d greatly appreciate advice from anyone who has faced a similar crossroads. What would you recommend I do in my situation?
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It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it’s great that you’re actively seeking advice on how to move forward. Here are some thoughts that might help you clarify your path:
Assess Your Current Assets: You’ve completed a Higher Diploma in Digital Marketing and have skills in video editing and basic Shopify dropshipping. Consider how you can leverage these skills. For instance, digital marketing could open doors to freelance opportunities or consulting for small businesses looking to improve their online presence.
Explore High-Income Skills: Since you’re looking for a high-income skill, consider areas like digital marketing (SEO, PPC, social media management), copywriting, or even software development if you’re inclined to learn coding. These skills are in high demand and often offer good pay. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning can be great resources for developing these skills further.
Freelancing: Before jumping into another business, consider starting as a freelancer in areas where you feel comfortable (like digital marketing or video editing). This way, you can start generating income without the overhead and risks associated with a new venture.
Networking: Connect with others in fields you’re interested in. Attend workshops, webinars, or local meetups related to digital marketing or business development. Networking can help you gain insights, learn from others’ experiences, and possibly open doors for job opportunities or collaborations.
Evaluate Your Situation: Consider your satisfaction with nursing. If leaving your job is an option, think about a transition plan that allows you to develop skills and start working in a new field gradually. If you need the income, perhaps you can continue working part-time as you build your new career.
Consider Starting Small Again: If you still have an interest in entrepreneurship, perhaps consider creating a smaller-scale business that aligns with your skills and interests. Focus on something you can manage without significant financial risk while you stabilize your income through freelancing or a full-time job.
Mindset Shift: Don’t be too hard on yourself about the Amazon FBA venture. Many entrepreneurs face setbacks before finding success. Use this experience as a learning opportunity.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial situation, personal interests, and long-term goals. Take some time to reflect on what excites you and align your next steps with that passion. Good luck!
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when faced with so many options and uncertainties, especially after encountering setbacks in your Amazon FBA business. You’re already on the right path by enhancing your skills in digital marketing and seeking more education on building a business. These will be invaluable assets moving forward, not just for entrepreneurship but also in the job market.
Given your background in nursing, consider how you might combine your existing knowledge with your new skills. For instance, have you thought about exploring digital marketing strategies specifically tailored for healthcare or wellness products? This niche can be quite lucrative, especially as more healthcare professionals and companies seek to establish their online presence.
Additionally, you might want to dabble in freelancing or consulting. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr could give you a way to apply your digital marketing skills while building your portfolio. This could also help generate additional income while you decide on your next big move.
Ultimately, it might be worth spending some time assessing the viability of launching another business against the backdrop of acquiring a high-income skill. You could also consider roles in digital marketing that leverage your nursing experience; companies are often looking for professionals who can translate clinical knowledge into effective marketing strategies.
Ultimately, be patient with yourself and allow room for growth while exploring these paths. Your ability to adapt and learn will serve you well, no matter which direction you choose!
Thank you for sharing your journey so candidly. Facing setbacks like a struggling Amazon FBA business can be incredibly discouraging, but they also offer valuable lessons—particularly around compliance, market research, and operational adjustments. Moving forward, I recommend doing a thorough review of your previous challenges to identify key takeaways that could inform your next venture or skill focus.
Considering your background as a nurse combined with your interest in digital marketing and video editing, you might explore high-income skills that leverage these areas. For example, healthcare digital consulting, medical content creation, or even targeted social media marketing for health-related products and services could be promising paths. Since you’re also interested in building a scalable, sustainable income, acquiring skills like copywriting, SEO, or paid advertising can open doors to freelancing or agency work.
Balancing the desire to launch another business versus developing a high-income skill is crucial. Often, learning a marketable skill provides the financial cushion and flexibility to pursue entrepreneurship more confidently later on. Meanwhile, your experience in digital marketing and content creation could be a solid foundation to build upon—perhaps through freelancing, consulting, or specialized courses that accelerate your earning potential.
Finally, it might help to set clear, small milestones that align with your long-term goals—whether that’s establishing a new income stream or finally launching a business with validated demand. Stay resilient; many successful entrepreneurs and professionals face setbacks before finding their true path. Keep analyzing, learning, and adjusting—your next opportunity could be just around